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Joaquin Baca is the unsung hero behind the Momofuku empire. After answering a Monster.com ad, he met David Chang and went on to become co-owner of Momofuku, opening Noodle Bar, Ssam Bar and Ko with Chang. Years later, he has gone on to open Brooklyn Star, a family-style Old American restaurant in North Williamsburg that offers comfort food in the best way possible. On this week’s episode of Chef’s Story, chef Baca sits down with host Dorothy Cann Hamilton and shares his culinary journey – from growing up in different countries across the world to opening his own restaurant with his own two hands and a barebones staff. This program was sponsored by Hearst Ranch.

“All we wanted [at Momofuku] was for somebody to pat us on the back and say ‘you’re not terrible.’ ” [18:05]

“I learned in the opening [of Brooklyn Star] that I don’t ever want to do anything by myself again.” [25:40]

“Brooklyn Star was my chance to do what’s near and dear to me in a less filtered fashion.” [31:50]